Physical therapy aide vs rehab technician

The differences between physical therapy aides and rehab technicians can be seen in a few details. Each job has different responsibilities and duties. Additionally, a physical therapy aide has an average salary of $31,160, which is higher than the $28,505 average annual salary of a rehab technician.

The top three skills for a physical therapy aide include patients, patient care and rehabilitation. The most important skills for a rehab technician are patients, physical therapy, and rehabilitation.

Physical therapy aide vs rehab technician overview

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehab Technician
Yearly salary	$31,160	$28,505
Hourly rate	$14.98	$13.70
Growth rate	24%	24%
Number of jobs	99,485	27,969
Job satisfaction	-	-
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Average age	39	39
Years of experience	-	-

What does a physical therapy aide do?

Physical therapy aides are employed under physical therapists' direction. They typically perform non-medical tasks, including helping with patient intake, setting up treatment rooms, and assisting with patient transportation to another health care facility. They are also responsible for documenting the responses and progress of patients and communicating with hospital personnel and physicians' offices. There are several skills and competencies to become a successful physical therapy aide, which include active listening skills, attention to detail, and compassion for patients.

What does a rehab technician do?

A rehab technician's role is to assist physical therapists and patients in a hospital or similar facility. Typically, their responsibilities revolve around gathering a patient's personal information and medical history, escorting them to corresponding rooms, and conducting initial tests and assessments. It is also essential to maintain records of all transactions, updating medical accounts promptly and accurately. Furthermore, a rehab technician may also perform basic treatments under the supervision of a physical therapist. There are also instances when they have to sanitize and clean therapy equipment, all in adherence to the facility's safety regulations and policies.

Physical therapy aide vs rehab technician salary

Physical therapy aides and rehab technicians have different pay scales, as shown below.

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehab Technician
Average salary	$31,160	$28,505
Salary range	Between $8,000 And $118,000	Between $22,000 And $36,000
Highest paying City	New York, NY	Santa Rosa, CA
Highest paying state	New York	Colorado
Best paying company	Aya Healthcare	University of California, Berkeley
Best paying industry	Health Care	Health Care

Differences between physical therapy aide and rehab technician education

There are a few differences between a physical therapy aide and a rehab technician in terms of educational background:

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehab Technician
Most common degree	Bachelor's Degree, 68%	Bachelor's Degree, 47%
Most common major	Kinesiology	Kinesiology
Most common college	University of Michigan - Ann Arbor	University of Virginia

Physical therapy aide vs rehab technician demographics

Here are the differences between physical therapy aides' and rehab technicians' demographics:

	Physical Therapy Aide	Rehab Technician
Average age	39	39
Gender ratio	Male, 35.6% Female, 64.4%	Male, 33.7% Female, 66.3%
Race ratio	Black or African American, 6.6% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 12.0% Asian, 9.3% White, 67.0% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%	Black or African American, 7.1% Unknown, 4.8% Hispanic or Latino, 13.3% Asian, 7.5% White, 66.9% American Indian and Alaska Native, 0.4%
LGBT Percentage	7%	7%

Differences between physical therapy aide and rehab technician duties and responsibilities

Physical therapy aide example responsibilities.

Manage flexible schedule at various company facilities categorize as ILF, ALF, and SNF.
Administer ultrasound and electrical stimulation and start patients with their prescribe exercise programs.
Educate patients on supportive devices, such as braces, splints, and slings.
Earn repeated appreciations from supervisor, co-workers, and patients for providing the best quality care with compassion.
Work closely with PT's/PTA's; OT/COTA's and SLP in providing quality hands on care to rehab patients.
Create and maintain patient charts and paperwork including exercise, insurance authorization, insurance, HIPAA, and patient information.

Rehab technician example responsibilities.

Make rounds for walkers and wheelchairs for patients.
Assist therapist with transfers, monitoring of splints, hot packs, and modalities.
Prepare patients for therapy sessions and assist patients to put on devices such as braces and splints.
Maintain and clean medical equipment, interact with staff and patients, and occasionally cover the reception desk.Skills UsedCNA and CPR
Provide nursing and orthopedic patient care for stroke patients, assisting with rehabilitation, medication and recovery knowledge.
Assist physical therapists in the rehabilitation of patients by providing exercise programs and proper treatment for healthy injury recovery.

Physical therapy aide vs rehab technician skills

Common physical therapy aide skills

Patients, 42%
Patient Care, 10%
Rehabilitation, 8%
Customer Service, 5%
Ultrasound, 5%
Direct Supervision, 4%

Common rehab technician skills

Patients, 24%
Physical Therapy, 10%
Rehabilitation, 10%
Customer Service, 6%
CPR, 4%
Cleanliness, 4%

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Physical Therapy Aide
Physical Therapy Aide vs Rehab Technician

Updated January 8, 2025

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